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Tested well water

Tested well water
Posted by Diana Sims
from Missouri
on 2002-07-13 21:44:52

Will,
I had the water tested and results showed no bacteria and tested negative on Nitrate. However, the sulfate count is supposed to be 275 mg/lt. and water tested 475 mg/lt. So you were right about it hurting my plants. You did mention I could counter the sulfate with lime. My question is how much lime would I need? Thanks for your help. Diana

changing soil pH
Posted by Will Creed, Horticulturist
from NYC
on 2002-07-14 14:44:29

To give a truly accurate prescription, I would need to know the pH of the soil. However, that means more testing. I suggest that you add 1 to 2 tsps of horticultural lime per 6" inch pot, for starters. Allow at least a month to see improvement. If you don't, then additional liming may be necessary.

Quoting Diana Sims: ------------
-Will,
-I had the water tested and results showed no bacteria and tested negative on Nitrate. However, the sulfate count is supposed to be 275 mg/lt. and water tested 475 mg/lt. So you were right about it hurting my plants. You did mention I could counter the sulfate with lime. My question is how much lime would I need? Thanks for your help. Diana